Rambling Man's Reviews

  Words by Anselm Anderson England's Extreme heavyweights KillerKorp may sound like a horror movie, but their sound is brutal and uncompromising. Last week, they released "Vices", their latest four-track EP. The follow-up to the 2019 debut "Pain"  The quintet produces extreme metal at breakneck speed, blending modern death metal with blackened hardcore elements to create a headache-inducing experience. The savage riffery and guttural screams are some of the main attributes for fans of Cannibal Corpse and Machine Head. They combine the latter's songwriting for lengthy guitar intros and brutal breakdowns with ex-Cannibal Corpse singer Chris Barnes's vocal ferocity. KillerKorp have used this tenacity and aggression to evolve on the live circuit with notable appearances alongside contemporaries Raised By Owls, Celestial Sanctuary and Beyond Extinction . Photo courtesy of San Pr KillerKorp was formed in 2018 by the Lydiatt brothers: Ben (vocals) & Dani...

Pre-order Can’t Take Away The Fire here NWOBHM icons Raven are celebrating their fiftieth anniversary with the recent announcement of their new EP, "Can't Take Away the Fire," which features five brand new tracks for die-hard fans. The band will release this gift on February 14th. Raven was formed in 1974 by the Gallagher brothers (not the Oasis clan), Mark and John. They are joined by drummer Mike Heller, and together they deliver speed metal on tracks like "Black and Blue" and the old-school anthem "Power Hungry." the heavy metal tracks 'Can't Take Away the Fire' and 'Gimme a Lie' before settling on the Sabbath inspired 'The Wreckage'. John Gallagher comments on the reasons behind this release in a press release below “With the incredible reaction to our last album ‘All Hell’s Breaking Loose’ it spurred us to slave even harder in the songwriting salt mines”  “As an indication of where we are headed, we’ve put together f...

Words by Anselm Anderson In We Fall  is a new act on Eclipse Records. Most recently, they released their debut, "Inner Self." The ten-tracker is a deeply personal and philosophical take on a band that has reached a pivotal moment in its career. The quartet, from Portugal, combines grunge stylings with progressive elements and alternative rock signatures to help create a sound reminiscent of bands like Alice in Chains and Alter Bridge. Formed in 2022, In We Fall was formed by guitarist Carlos Carniero and drummer Federico Lopes with a childhood dream of creating a band. Vocalist Daniel Moreira soon offered his gruff vocal lines and productive values into the mix providing a retro sound of dark melodies, hook-laden choruses and intricate guitar lines for fans of grunge-era bands. Moreira recorded, mixed and produced the album at Evolui Som Studios and the results are a polished and refined edge to the music. In We Fall challenge themselves through lyrics about war, betrayal and...

  Photo Credit: OOB Records Words by Anselm Anderson Multi-instrumentalist Peter Lawson shares the story of a 17th-century witchfinder and his accomplice on his latest EP, "The Witchfinder." The EP is inspired by the true story of Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne, two witch-finders intent on causing chaos and destruction during the Civil War in 17th-century England. They hunted down suspected witches under the Witchfinder Act of 1542 before presenting them for trial. Lawson produces over half an hour of seven tracks, using traditional medieval instruments like the bodhrán and mandolin to depict their horrible deeds. Lawson combines folk, blues, and progressive music elements to craft a distinctive style that resonates with the essence of that period. The darker electronic elements come into play with a distorted monologue in the opening track "Saint Vitus Dance," which captures the innocence of the time before tragedy struck. The narrative turns unexpectedly in ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Shotgun Sawyer, based in California, has released their third studio album, a self-titled effort, via Ripple Music last Friday. The trio returns with a new drummer and direction for the better. Lead vocalist Dylan Jarman is joined by bassist Brett Sanders and the latest drummer Cody Tarbell has transitioned from stoner rock. roots-based outfit to a blues band. The trio combines traditional Chicago and Delta Blues with a modern twist on this nine-track release. The album is a chronicle of the trials and tribulations of Shotgun Sawyer since the turn of the decade, starting with the departure of original drummer David Lee. The band soon took a hiatus after they signed to Ripple Music and released their second album Bury the Hatchet. Patrick Hills of Earth Tone Studios of Sacramento, California assisted in bringing out the best of the band. Hills record a raw, personal, humble improvement of the trio's former releases. The acquisition of Cody Tarbell, forme...

  Words by Anselm Anderson The French rock group Last Temptation has returned with a new sound and lineup. In their latest album, "Heart Starter," they transition from their grunge rock guitar roots to a more traditional modern rock style. Lead by the talented guitarist Peter Scheithauer, Last Temptation has had a makeover with the addition of charismatic vocalist Loup Malevi, ex-Annihilator drummer Fabio Alessandri and long-time touring partner, bassist Franz OA Wise, Last Temptation delivers a fresh new approach to their music. "Heart Starter" is a commercial rock album in the guise of eighties rock acts like Van Halen and Aerosmith, emphasising groove-orientated riffs and huge choruses to reach a new audience, as they evolve as a unit. They recently made inroads with an appearance at Hellfest!, and supporting German Rock icons Scorpions on tour. The French band hopes to capitalise on that success with a new album, hoping to gain a bigger following from a main...

Words by Anselm Anderson Independent Label Banana Recor ds presents the veterans of pop-punk , Healthy Junkies, the popular quartet from London, cordially invite you to ' Listen to the Mad' , their latest LP released last week. The fourteen-track album fuses '90s pop-punk choruses with grunge-era riffs, incorporating psychedelic rock and goth elements. Established in 2010, the band was created by French vocalist Nina Courson and guitarist Phil Honey-Jones to promote greater awareness of mental health, which is reflected in their name. The duo soon added bassist Dave Whitmore and drummer Dave Gaut to build a nationwide fanbase, which included supporting some of punk's notable names, as well as festival appearances and in print publications. They even appeared in a Sky Arts documentary entitled " The United Kingdom of Pop" It wasn't long before American DJ Rodney Bingenheimer took notice, propelling them to new levels of exposure. Photo Credit: Svenja Bloc...

Photo Credit: BJF PR Media Interview by Anselm Anderson The Rambling Man always ventures to promote new bands, as a means to educate the readers. Today, I grabbed an opportunity to speak with the lead vocalist of the newly formed Sirensong, who recently released their latest single "March Into The Sun". Please scroll down to read the full transcript with Alice Freya, in which she discussed the inception of the band, their new single, and their upcoming album. Hello, how are you? Could you introduce yourself to the readers? We are SIRENSONG, a five-piece hard rock/ metal band from South Wales. Alice Freya - Vocals Jon Evans & Ryan Barnard - Guitars Billy George - Bass Daz Joseph - Drums Sirensong are a relatively new band. Could you explain how the band got together? Most of us have been in bands together before, with four of us previously playing in a prog band called Last Flight To Pluto). We were feeling an urge to concentrate on a different sound and direction, which w...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Symphonic Death Metal act Genus Ordinis Dei celebrates their upcoming  European tour with Xandria and Sirenia by releasing "Eternal Cycle," featuring Xandria lead vocalist Ambre Vourvahis. The track reimagined the myth of Hades and Persephone, focusing on the eternal cycles of life, death and rebirth. The Italians blend their string arrangements and classical music prowess with the haunting melodies of Ambre, putting a contemporary spin on a mythical legend. The song's eerie quality foreshadows death through a powerful combination of a large horn section and orchestra. The dynamics intensify with the rapid string movements and shifting melodies.Genus Ordinis Dei's vocalist, Nick.K, enters with his intense, harsh screams  as the tempo escalates, accompanied by a robust sound of guitars and drums.Ambre Vourvahis soon joins as a counterbalance, providing soaring melodies that lend emotional and romantic support to the track. The tension escalat...

  Words by Anselm Anderson British Rock group Oswald Slain released their debut single "Happiness is Overrated" last week. The band, previously known as Little Thief, hails from Bristol, England. It blends classic Americana with grooves and driving rhythms, reminiscent of bands like Neil Young and Tom Waits. The band has previously toured the UK and appeared at festivals like Glastonbury and Isle of Wight. The founding members of Oswald Slain, Charlie Fitzgerald and Rhii Williams, decided to change the band name and take it in a different musical direction. Oswald Slain has been described as "Born from the creative cocoon of a home studio". The band's sounds reflect personal growth and musical evolution. band member Ryan Rogers produced the track in his back garden. Jason Mitchell mastered the record at Loud Mastering. "Happiness is Overrated" is described as a "rise above misery and a rebellion against the pressure of being happy". The track...

Words by Anselm Anderson Acclaimed English singer-songwriter Toby Jepson returns with his first solo album in over a decade, "Look Out: Volume One." This is the first trilogy of records set for release with Toby and The Whole Trut h via Jepsong Records. The band is the latest chapter in a long, illustrious career spanning over forty years. Jepson is best known as the jovial lead singer of Gun, Little Angels, and Wayward Sons, which led to chart success and a slew of successful tours. Jepson produced "Look Out," which, as he explains in the introduction, centres on recovering from mental health issues. The six songs are the first of twenty recorded over three records. It is a cathartic collection of tracks full of wisdom and advice told through the usual charm and enthusiasm of Toby Jepson. The tracks blend hard rock, blues, and pop rock, designed to give a different perspective on a disorder affecting us all.   This is apparent on the opening track "Alone with ...

  WORDS BY ANSELM ANDERSON Progressive Rock Duo T he Chronicles of Manimal and Samara returns with their latest EP, Origins, released last Friday, November 1st. The duo comprises Singapore-born vocalist Daphne Ang and Italian Bassist and guitarist Andrea Papi. Formed in 2020, the two musicians met in Camden, London, UK, and quickly developed a brand of progressive rock that blends poetry, electronica, and metal music. Ang also contributes piano and keyboards to the record, whilst Papi lends his unique vocals to two tracks on the release "Bite the Bullet" and "It Goes". The duo commented how they want "Origins" to widen their reach with new listeners. The follow-up to the hugely successful 2022 release "Trust No Leaders" pushes the boundaries with its fresh production and merger of several genres. The EP opens with the seven-minute "Feed the Beast". an atmospheric number with an opening poetic monologue, accompanied by industrial rock,...

  Words by Anselm Anderson British rock band Arrow Valley aims to make its mark in the rock and metal scene with its latest EP, "Embodiment," which was released last week. The heavy rock band followed up their debut EP, "You Are Not Alone," with a dynamic album featuring five tracks. Their sound is influenced by the soaring melodies of Creed and Alter Bridge and the aggressive metal style of Killswitch Engage. The band combines hard rock with metal elements to create an emotionally charged mini-release. The band, which formed last year, hails from the West Midlands in England. They are led by vocalist Arron Turner and guitarist Luke Hatton and are joined by bassist Abbas Ali, guitarist Nicky Hughes, and drummer Mark Harris Bristow. Hatton produced the album at his home and Vault Studios in Kidderminster. This helps bring an authentic gloss to the album. Photo Credit:Jessica Hughes The band showcases their growth as musicians in "Embodiment" by blending all...

Artwork: Hugh Syme   Words by Anselm Anderson British rockers Gone Savage are returning with a fresh sound and a new label. The duo, consisting of vocalist Will Glover and guitarist Ian Salpekar, is preparing for their debut label release, "Retrograde," which is scheduled for release next Friday, October 25th, through Muzzle Records . Brad Rolling, Peter Maher, and Gary Williams recorded, mixed, and mastered the ten track LP in the UK. Hugh Symes contributed to the excellent artwork as the band plugged in for this hard rock release. The band's sound leans towards an '80s rock style, influenced by bands like Ozzy Osbourne, Ratt, and Def Leppard. They bring together an intimate and personal album focusing on heavy riffs and solid ballads. Glover and Salpekar are complemented by drummer and percussionist Dex Tyler, who brings maturity and a fresh perspective to the production. The album opens with the lead single "Ram Me Down," a fiery rock track that sets the ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist Myles Kenned y released his third solo album, titled "The Art of Letting Go," through Napalm Records last Friday.The follow-up to the critically acclaimed "The Ides of March" in 2021 was a contemplative piece by the rock vocalist, best known for fronting Alter Bridge and teaming with Slash and the Conspirators. This time around, Mr Kennedy seems to be in a reflective mood, as he muses over some key elements of his life thus far. "The Art of Letting Go" is a guitar-driven record that delves into the artist's influences with post-grunge rockers and the man in a hat. Kennedy, along with bandmates drummer Zia Uddin and bassist Tim Tournier, has created a spiritual album filled with wisdom and grace. Producer Michael Baskette oversaw the recording of this release at Studio Barbosa in Florida. Photo Credit: Chuck Bruekmann "The Art of Letting Go" opens the album with a captivating c...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Blues act RJ Archer and The Painful Memories return with their newest single, "Get It Together." The track is the latest from their upcoming album, "The Cost of Loving Crisis."   They continue from their previous release on this enjoyable teaser for the new album. I previously reviewed "Got to Leave," which I described as a throwback to the Delta Blues Era. "Get It Together follows on with a similar charm. The band, which features vocalist Richard Archer, bassist Richard James, guitarist Ben Kingsbury, and drummer Marc Ritchie, formed five years ago due to a shared interest in 60s and 70s rock music. The track is heavily influenced by Chicago Blues, which is evident with the continuous stop-start rhythm throughout the track. The track opens with RJ Archer's unmistakable vocals, conveying warmth and glee, while the bass and guitars combine. The rhythm builds tension, creating a sense of intrigue and mystery, before transi...

    Words by Anselm Anderson Italian dwarf metal band Wind Rose begins a new journey with the release of Trollslayer via Napalm Records today. This album follows their 2022 release War Front , offering another round of modern metal, catchy singalong choruses, and impressive string arrangements with bombastic production. The band greatly impacted the metal scene with their popular song "Diggy Diggy Hole", gaining a strong following on YouTube and TikTok . I gave their last album a 9/10 rating due to the songwriting and enjoyable songs on the album and subsequently entered the T op 10 US Current Hard Rock list. On Trollslayer , the band take a new direction with a sound heavily influenced by battle bands of the past like Turisas and Hammerfall. The tracks have a more serious edge, leaning more towards a sentimental side, rather than relying on writing tracks that will become hits. The production is still as polished as "War Front", giving the sense the listener ...

  Words by Anselm Anderson Metalcore act Paradis released their hotly-anticipated self-titled debut EP last week, The quintet combines the raw ferocity of the genre's vocals with the dark atmospheric music of black metal, which is a unique approach to the revived genre, once maligned by metalheads all over. Formed in London, England, the multicultural group consists of vocalist Johnny Weaver, guitarists Pedro Silva and Federico Di Biase, bassist Mark Kuchmenko and drummer Flynn Everard. The band commented on how this was a team effort, reflected over five intense, headbanging tracks. Photo Credit: Michael Williams One notable aspect of this EP is the diversity of the tracks. Paradis delivers powerful and ominous metal with impactful orchestration and bone-shaking breakdowns. The band's creative ideas allow the music to take on a life of its own, showcasing a contrast between aggressive, angst-filled vocals paired with heavy riffs, and melodic vocals set against gothic underton...